8 Favorite Cheeses from Sonoma County

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Sonoma Herbs Sheep Cheese, Bellwether Farms: This creamy, spreadable fresh sheep’s-milk cheese is a standout, boosted with a flavorful infusion of fresh herbs. Try with crackers or stuffed into a warm omelet. bellwetherfarms.com (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Magazine)

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Picolo, Andante Dairy: Dairy scientist Soyoung Scanlan created this firm cow’s milk cheese with the unique addition of crème fraîche. It has a musical name and the delicate flavor of the Sonoma hills. At Oliver’s Markets. instagram.com/andante_dairy (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Magazine)

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McKinley Cheddar, William Cofield: “Proper British Cheese for Sonoma County and the Rest of the World” is the tagline for this newish Sebastopol cheesemaker focused on British-style cheeses. Sharp, nutty, and properly delicious. wmcofieldcheese.com (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Magazine)

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St. Jorge, Joe Matos Cheese Co.: This raw milk cheese is inspired by the owners’ homeland in the Azores Islands—its taste falls somewhere between Cheddar and Monterey Jack. Made here since the 1970s. joematoscheeseco.com (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Magazine)

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BoDacious, Bohemian Creamery: A goat cheese that’s sassy, bloomy, and bold in flavor. It comes as a funky, flattened disc that looks more like a meringue-topped pie than cheese, but you won’t mistake the taste. bohemiancreamery.com (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Magazine)

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Grazin’ Girl, Valley Ford Cheese: A new release from the makers of the famous Estero Gold, with thick veins of blue tempered by creamy, buttery cheese. Delish with local honey and a baguette. Creamery tours, too. valleyfordcheese.com (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Magazine)

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Mike’s Firehouse Jack, Spring Hill Jersey Cheese: This party pleaser won’t set your tastebuds alight, but there’s a little kick of heat to it. Excellent with a bitter IPA and a few toothpicks. springhillcheese.com (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Magazine)

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Délice de la Vallée, Epicurean Connection: Made by caterer and cheesemaking instructor Sheana Davis, this fresh triple-cream cheese is great dipped in strawberries — or straight from the container. theepicureanconnection.com (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Magazine)

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